Singapore: Indian-origin politician Halimah Yacob is set to become the first woman Speaker of Singapore's Parliament next week replacing Michael Palmer, who was forced to quit over his extra-marital affair.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Tuesday said he would nominate Halimah as the next Speaker when the House sits on January 14, 2014.

58-year-old Halimah, an Indian-origin Muslim, would be resigning as Minister of State (MOS) on January 13 as office holders cannot be elected Speakers, said Lee in a statement.

Halimah, a former labour lawyer, is a member of Parliament from the ruling People's Action Party (PAP). The Speaker's post fell vacant when Palmer, also a PAP MP, resigned last month for his involvement in an extra-marital affair.

Halimah would be confirmed as Speaker as PAP has an absolute majority in the 99-member house. Lee said he has briefed PAP MPs and received their full support on his intention to nominate Halimah to the position.